[Anticonvulsive effect of stimulation of the mesencephalic reticular formation in animals with experimental photogenic epilepsy].

Experimental photogenic epilepsy in rats was induced by injections of microdoses of tetanus toxin into the lateral geniculate body (LGB). One day after injection the animals developed epileptic paroxysms (EP) which were seen at 10--15-minute intervals. Under these conditions the mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF) was continuosly stimulated for 40 min (at a frequency of 0.2 Hz, 0.8 B). In 4 out of 12 animals EP completely ceased both during MRF stimulation and for 1--2 hours following stimulation. In 6 animals, the frequency of EP decreased. Inhibition of EP was not followed by cessation of interparoxysmal discharges. Participation of MRF in the genesis of photogenic stimulation is discussed.